ABOUT

Why Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)?

Work Smarter Not Harder 

The Alaska MEP encourages the strength and competitiveness of Alaska manufacturers through training, consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and by leveraging government, university, and economic development partnerships to advocate for your needs.   

Alaska MEP brings skills and forefront knowledge in statewide manufacturing practices, management, process improvements, and technology. It makes it a priority to provide company assessment and customized solutions targeting the exact needs of any client, taking your business to the next level and beyond. 

Serving YOU

Alaska MEP assists statewide manufacturers of ANY size. Big or small, the Alaska MEP bends solutions around each client's specific needs. The Alaska MEP is proud to serve as a resource for Alaska’s manufacturers and is working to provide a one-stop-shop for any business needs. If we cannot assist with your needs directly, we will happily direct you to the correct contact through our substantial partnerships and statewide economic resources. We are 100% committed to finding the solution that fits you and your business. 

Mission

Alaska MEP’s mission is to enhance the productivity and performance of Alaska manufacturing. Alaska MEP will maximize value for Alaska-based manufacturers while becoming the preferred resource in advancing a robust manufacturing ecosystem, thereby diversifying and strengthening Alaska’s economy through public-private partnerships.

Goal

Alaska MEP’s goal is to diversify and strengthen Alaska’s manufacturing sector.

OUR TEAM

Alyssa Rodrigues, Ph.D
Director, Alaska MEP
avshanks01@alaska.edu

Kassim Kurani
Associate Director, Alaska MEP
klkurani@alaska.edu

Sami Jo Lewis
Communication and Outreach Manager
sjbailey4@alaska.edu

Megan Militello
Supply Chain Optimization Manager
mmmilitello@alaska.edu

Bentley Hamilton
Business Development Manager
bjhamilton5@alaska.edu

Payton Bennett
Client Research Professional
paroberts2@alaska.edu

Working with Alaska MEP

Success Stories

Port Chilkoot Distillery: Maximizing Energy Efficiency

“The MEP, partnered with the College of Engineering student team, was so enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. They provided very valuable information for our business decision-making and were highly professional and organized. We really enjoyed the process of working with them and the personalized attention we received on the project.”

— Sean Copeland, Owner 

Find additional highlights here.

Foraged & Found: Product testing helped to retain sales

“Chris Sannito and his team reviewed our scheduled processes and test samples of our products in their food testing lab to ensure that they are within the limits required to produce a food-safe product. We have also participated in the Better Process Control School and the HAACP Certification Courses (I & II) that they offer. We send them a sample of every single SKU we produce for a process authority letter. We do this every time we reformulate and/or change our packaging, in order to be compliant with FDA/DEC regulations.

We are very appreciative of Chris, Brian Himelbloom, and the Alaska Sea Grant/ Alaska MEP organization for the services they provide us.”

— Jenn Brown, Owner

Find additional highlights here.

Twister Creek Inc: Connected with Buyers

“Samantha Lewis and Alaska MEP are instrumental in connecting Twister Creek with Alaskans who are in need of hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time when supply chains are crumbling MEP helped connect the links of the chain together that will help Alaskans stay strong and get through these trying times. Twister Creek Inc. will continue to work with MEP to provide products and services to Alaskans.”

— John Krattiger, Brand Ambassador

Find additional highlights here.

Alpine Fit: Supply Chain Success

“The Alaska MEP helped me to acquire the necessary surgical wrap to produce surgical masks that could be used by the healthcare industry.”

— Jennifer Loofbourrow, CEO/Owner

Find additional highlights here.

Elevated Oats: Growth & Scale Cohort

“There have been several occasions I've had the pleasure of learning from Phil and Lean Alaska as a new entrepreneur; the first was through the MEP Growth and Scale cohort.
We conducted classroom instruction to gain a better understanding before working on a specific project for our company. Having other manufacturing businesses in the cohort was a huge benefit, it introduced us to another network and additional perspectives. As the cohort progressed, Phil took the time to work with businesses on their project individually; this was much appreciated with all the businesses being at different levels.
Phil continued working on our project with us after the cohort was over. He’s always gone the extra mile to ensure we will be successful. At Elevated Oats, we were able to increase our manufacturing efficiency, decreasing costs and increasing production, with the information Phil taught with us. Lean Alaska would benefit any size and type of business. I'm grateful to have had this opportunity and gain so much knowledge.At Elevated Oats, we were able to increase our manufacturing efficiency, decreasing costs and increasing production, with the information Phil taught with us."

— Megan Militello, Founder/CEO